He reached the pines and went softly.

Every now and again he stopped, and once he could have sworn he heard the cracking of a twig ahead of him.
He started off at a run in pursuit, and now there was no mistaking the fact that somebody was still in the wood.

He heard the quick steps of his quarry and then there was silence.

He ran on, but must have overshot the mark, for presently he heard a stealthy noise behind him.

In a flash he turned back.
"Who are you ?" he said.